News & notes

The Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League took an unusual step Sunday.

The Albany Dutchmen & Amsterdam Mohawks were to play a double-header at Siena, but only one game was played. The first game was called after five innings, with Albany awarded the game, 4-2. No, it wasn't raining, but, rather, player safety became an issue.

Albany's Luke Gold, a month removed from a state championship with Ballston Spa, was hit on the helmet with a pitch. Understandably, Gold was removed from the game, with concerns about a possible concussion. That would be the last thing Gold needs as he heads off to college. As a fan, you pray that the helmet took the brunt of the blow, lessening the risk of a concussion.

The second scheduled game was postponed, and rescheduled for July 28, also at Siena. Prayers & best wishes to Luke for a speedy recovery.
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The Albany Empire, playing on a Sunday in the regular season for the first time, and this was actually scheduled as such, though no one bothered to explain it to WROW's Ben Patton on Saturday, took advantage of the extra day's rest, and crushed Columbus, 49-18, to lock up the #1 seed and a home game in the playoffs, which begin July 27.

Next up for the Empire is a revenge game vs. Philadelphia on Saturday night at Times-Union Center, which, coupled with racing at Saratoga, will ensure that the Troy Fighting Irish will have another sparse crowd at Lansingburgh High when they take on Broome County. The Irish (4-1) beat Lockport, 14-0, on Saturday. The team just doesn't have the resources to better promote the games, and can't even afford to buy advertising from the local papers.

Even though tickets are more than half the minimum price for the Empire at the TUC, $7 as opposed to $15, most discriminating football junkies will go to Albany due to the lure of television cameras. Apparently, those football hardcores don't want to be seen at a high school field.